Microbiologist II (SHARP)

SUMMARY

The California Department of Public Health’s Microbial Diseases Laboratory Branch is responsible for diagnostic and surveillance testing, applied research projects, and education and training for the identification and characterization of bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens of public health importance.

Under the supervision of the Antimicrobial Resistance Testing Laboratory Supervisor in the Bacterial Diseases Section of the Microbial Diseases Laboratory, the Microbiologist II performs duties associated with the receipt, processing, culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and phenotypic and genotypic testing to identify antimicrobial resistance (AR) of bacterial isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and pathogens related to hospital-associated infections (HAI); in addition, this position may cross-train to provide testing and administrative support for a range of SHARP-funded laboratory activities, as required.

This position is Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week.  Weekend, holiday, and overtime may be required during a public health emergency.

Applicant must submit resume, cover letter, and three (3) professional references with the application.

The hourly range for this position is $36.53 to $49.15 per hour depending on experience/ qualifications. 

This position is funded from 08/01/2024 – 07/31/2027.

This position may be extended if funding is available.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS


* Receives and checks-in specimens and isolates for testing and performs data entry into the laboratory information management system (LIMS), and other applicable tracking documents.


* Performs culture and identification of bacterial pathogens using a variety of laboratory testing methods (e.g.

Gram stain, biochemical testing, MALDI-TOF, etc.)


* Performs phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing and/or molecular testing for antimicrobial resistance markers.


* Performs quality control testing of media, reagents, and QC strains.


* Accurately and thoroughly interprets and reports testing and quality control results and other applicable quality data.


* Reviews test results for completeness and accuracy.


* Performs validation, verification, and correlation studies and summarizes data for related reports.


* Develops and optimizes workflows, protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for isolation, phenotypic antimicrobial testing, and molecular characterization of pathogens of concern (e.g.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae, carbapenem-resistant organisms, and other applicable HAI/AR pathogens).


* Assists the AR Testing Laboratory Supervisor and the Section Chief with updating relevant SOPs and performing quality assurance and safety audits, reviews, and related tasks.


* Assists with developing, testing, implementing, and updating LIMS assays, as needed.


* Assists with maintaining laboratory equipment and related documentation. 


* Assists with reagent, media, and consumab...